The 2020 New Year’s Honours list has recognised five Cambridge academics for their contributions to Research and UK Science.

Dame Sally Davies, Master of Trinity College, received the Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB) for her services to Public Health and Research, while Professor Lynn Gladden, Shell Professor of Chemical Engineering, was named Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).

Dame Sally, who became the first female Master of Trinity in October, was also the first female Chief Medical Officer for England and Chief Medical Advisor to the Government. She advised the Government in health emergencies, including the Ebola epidemic in West Africa 2013-15 and the Novichok attack in 2018.

In a statement, she said: “I am honoured to receive this GCB recognising the work of many people, across Government, the NHS and beyond […] We will continue to build coalitions for action as this war to save lives is not over.”

Professor Lynn Gladden is internationally recognised for her pioneering work in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods, with the overall motivation to increase energy efficiency of chemical processes and to produce products with better in-use properties, such as controlled-release pharmaceutical materials to optimised materials in the production of clean fuels.

Professor Grae Worster, Vice-Master of Trinity College, commended them: “[Dame Sally] is a role model for all, especially our students, in showing how intellect can be applied for public benefit and social impact […] we are equally proud that Lynn Gladden’s pioneering research […] is being recognised by the award of a DBE.”

Professor Anthony Cheetham FRS., Distinguished Research Fellow at the Department of Material Sciences, was awarded a Knights Bachelor for his services to Material Chemistry, Global Outreach and UK Science.

Clare Hall Fellow Dr Mene Pangalos, who is AstraZeneca’s Executive Vice President of BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, was also knighted for his contributions to UK Science.

He said: “I am truly humbled and immensely honoured to receive this award… The UK is one of the best places in the world to do applied research, and life sciences clusters such as the one in Cambridge drive the convergence of scientific innovation and talent, enabling us to better turn science into life-changing medicines.”

Professor Andy Neely, FREng, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise and Business Relations at the University, Fellow of Sidney Sussex College, Director of the Centre for Digital Built Britain and Founding Director of the Cambridge Service Alliance, received an OBE for services to University/Industry Collaboration and Research. He is widely recognised for his work on the servitization of manufacturing firms and his work on performance measurement and management.

He commented: “The mission of Cambridge University is to contribute to society. We do that at scale by working in partnership with others and I have been incredibly fortunate across my career to work with a wide range of talented people from universities and business.”

The Honours list, which dates back to around 1890, recognises notable services and contributions to Britain. In the 2019 Honours list, five members of collegiate Cambridge were recognised for outstanding contributions to society in science, education, engineering and art.